Recent Depot News
The Red Oak Depot Museum is hosting its 3rd Humanities of Iowa Speakers Series event in June! Dr. Chad Timm of Simpson College will discuss the lives of US citizens who served as Prisoners of War in the Clarinda and Algona camps. He will also explain how the POWs assisted Iowa’s farmers in winning the war.
Wednesday, June 17, 2026 – 1:30 to 2:30 pm
Restored Burlington Northern Depot & World War II Museum
305 South Second Street, Red Oak, Iowa
For more information, explore these “Behind barbed wire”, Iowa History Journal articles:
Camp Algona housed 10,000 German and Italian prisoners
drive.google.com/file/d/19Xgs1oV10iPHgc6kzEEYLff-1W2HfqXR/view?usp=sharing
Japanese prisoners arrive at Camp Clarinda
drive.google.com/file/d/1QXcNdytfXaldLtgpnrG0y2S2-I437xJ4/view?usp=sharing
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Our Mission is three-fold:
1 Celebrate Red Oak’s railroad heritage by preserving the Burlington Northern (BN, now BNSF) historic depot, which was foundational to Red Oak’s growth and prominence in Southwest Iowa, maintaining documents and artifacts related to Red Oak’s and Southwest Iowa’s railroad history and offering first-hand interaction with railroad history for visitors.
2 Honor veterans and Montgomery County’s long and deep commitment to serving our county by telling the story of Montgomery County’s unique sacrifice by soldiers, families and residents during the Second World War and preserving documents and artifacts related to this story.
3 Provide an affordable, historic and versatile event venue for the community and Southwest Iowa.
305 South Second Street
Red Oak, IA 51566
712-621-9099
[email protected]
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OPEN hours, Monday, March 16, 2026
thru 2nd week of December 2026
Regular days & times: Monday thru Friday,
10 am to 12 noon
Free Admission
The Museum is open by appointment during all other days and times, year-around. To arrange a visit or book an event, email or call Jolene Crawford at
712-621-9099
